Classic floor bar: everything you need to know!

Classic floor bar: what is it?

Classical floor barre is a discipline from classical dance. Its aim is to work the muscles by drawing inspiration from the stretches performed by classical dancers on the barre. However, the exercises are done on the ground and without any accessories!  

The origins of the floor bar

There ground bar, also known as ground bar, is a discipline invented by the famous dancer and ballet master Boris Kniaseff in the 1930s. 

The idea came to him at the time ofopening your own dance school in Switzerland, when he was told that the building was classified as a historic monument. He could therefore not attach the bars useful for warming up the dancers to the walls. 

He therefore decided to perform warm-ups on the floor, doing the same exercises as on the bar but without the bar!

Since its creation, several types of floor bar have seen the day : contemporary floor bar, cardio bar, classic floor bar, etc.

One discipline, several approaches 

We distinguish 2 different approaches to the floor bar : there classic floor bar and the contemporary floor bar. 

There classic floor bar draws most of its exercises from its history and therefore from classical dance. 

Thus, the exercises are derived from stretching of classical dancers and are all carried out on the ground. They allow work the muscles in depth and improve flexibility. 

There contemporary floor bar as for she is a revisits the classic floor bar. In fact, it is more of a mix between floor barre, contemporary dance and Pilates. By abuse of language, this type of floor bar is also called the Pilates bar. This type of floor bar is therefore a little less “strict” than the classic version.

To find out more about the Pilates bar, do not hesitate to consult our article!

The benefits of the classic floor bar

There classic floor bar has many benefits for the body, but not only ! We explain in detail all the reasons why the classic floor bar is a discipline not to be neglected 😉

Develop your flexibility

As you probably know, dancers are very flexible and must therefore work on their flexibility every day. This is why classic floor barre exercises often aim to develop flexibility.

Even if you are not a dancer and have no plans to become one, working your flexibility can be useful ! You therefore have less risk of injury (tears, tendinitis, etc.) or of having cramps. 

Your body will then be able toabsorb shocks more easily For example. You will therefore gain more performance and your body will thank you!

Strengthen deep muscles

The classic floor bar allows emphasis on the abdominal strap and on the glutes. It is a discipline which allows you to work the whole body, in particular thanks to being directly on the ground.

Unlike exercises performed with a bar hung on the wall, floor exercises allow you to focus more on movements and your breathing. Indeed, you don't have to concentrate on several things at once particularly because of the gravity when you are standing.  

All the muscles are used and you will gradually see all of your body becomes firmer. Say hello to firmer arms and tapered legs!

Improve posture

One of the greatest benefits of the classic floor bar is theimproving your posture. 

It is well known that dancers have a more than perfect posture of the back, shoulders and head posture. And this is particularly thanks to the exercises carried out during their warm-ups!

Improving your posture also means participating in relief of back pain and lower back pain. To do this, the exercises performed allow you to use all the muscles and your joints.

You will learn to tuck in the stomach and to stand up straight during the exercises and you will see that it will become automatic in everyday life!

To relax

As with all sports, when you finish your barre session, you feel light and relaxed ! 

Put yourself in your bubble, breathe and clear your head removing all your problems and stresses. Take advantage of your sessions to think only about yourself and your well-being… And it feels good !

Who can do the classic floor bar?

Is floor barre a discipline dedicated to dancers? To amateurs? For professionals? To great athletes? To the most flexible? To all generations? We answer all your questions!

Who is this for?

You don't think you have the level to start the floor bar? That's good, you don't need any particular level to get started in the discipline ! 

The floor bar is aimed has all profiles, whether you are sporty or not, old or not, flexible or not, etc.

Being a gentle sporting discipline, you have little chance of injury. Everyone can therefore go at your own pace et everyone is capable of progressing quickly !

Contraindications

It exists few contraindications in the practice of the classic floor bar. 

The only ones that can be noted are intended for pregnant women for which it is necessary to perform exercises other than those aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscles. 

It is therefore strongly recommended to notify your coach before the start of the session or to choose adapted exercises if you do barre on the floor at home. 

Where to go to practice the classic floor barre?

The classic floor bar can be practiced in different locations. To make your choice, take into account your availability but also your objectives and your desires!

At home 

Do you want to get started in floor bar in complete privacy ? It's possible ! Find videos to support you in your learning of the discipline to familiarize yourself quietly. Once you have acquired a few basics, you can of course start taking group lessons and learn more from experienced teachers.

In gyms

Sports halls are setting up group lessons bar on the ground. Very fashionable, the discipline is very popular and attracts many curious athletes!

If you are used to going to gyms, you can ask if there are floor barre classes in place and go there either to test or to adopt it !

In specialized studios

The alternative to gyms is floor barre classes in specialized studios! This is the case of Studio POSES, which offers barre classes accessible to everyone and for everyone. 

In the form of a 50 minute group lesson, you follow the movements and exercises of the coaches in rhythm in an atmosphere conducive to relaxation!

To conclude

To get started fully and calmly in the classic floor bar, here is a summary of what you need to know about the discipline:

• the floor bar has 2 types : classic floor bar and contemporary floor bar
• the floor bar was created by Boris Kniaseff
• she has many benefits for the body: flexibility, muscle strengthening, better posture, relaxation
• discipline is for everyone 
• it's up to you to choose where to practice: gyms, at home, in specialized studios

SO ? Are you going to take the plunge and try the classic floor bar? 

Try the floor bar at POSES Studio 

Discipline ground bar intrigues you? Come and test the Barre Flows class at the house of Studio POSES !

Inspired by the bar method practiced by dancers during their warm-ups, POSES revisits the floor bar by offering you 50 minutes of intense workout !

Work on your flexibility and strengthen your muscles effectively with coaches who motivate and boost you throughout the sessions. 

We are looking forward to seeing you !